All About Invisalign

Think that a straighter smile means months of metal braces, rubber bands, and wire tightening? Think again! Invisalign is a clear, practically invisible way to straighten your teeth, using plastic trays called aligners. Not only is Invisalign virtually undetectable, but the system offers the comfort and convenience you need to match your busy, active lifestyle. Invisalign is great for adults who want to straighten their smile without the appearance of braces and teens who want to maintain their active lifestyles. Interested? Ask Dr. Carrie about Invisalign today!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made retainers, called aligners, to gradually straighten your teeth. Invisalign aligners are completely clear, smooth, and removable. This means no irritation from metal braces, no off-limits foods, and no interference with your life! Each patient is different, but treatment typically takes 9 to 15 months for most adults. Teens can expect to wear Invisalign as long as they would traditional braces.

Your treatment begins with x-rays, pictures, and impressions, which Invisalign uses to produce a comprehensive 3D image of your smile and bite. Dr. Carrie will use this 3D image to develop your custom treatment plan, including an estimated duration of your treatment time. Using this 3D image, you’ll even see a virtual representation of the movement of your teeth in each phase of aligners.

After we study every inch of your smile and develop a treatment plan, a series of custom-made aligners is created just for you. Your first aligner is a slightly straighter version of your smile starting out. You’ll wear the aligners throughout the day, removing them to eat, brush, and floss. The aligners will completely cover your teeth, and we bet no one will be able to tell you’re wearing them… unless you tell them!

After approximately one to two weeks, you’ll receive a new set of aligners to wear. Each subsequent set is a slightly straighter version of the last set, allowing your teeth to gradually and gently shift into a final, perfect smile. Invisalign treatment plans can include between 10-50 aligners, based on your current smile and bite. You’ll meet with Dr. Carrie approximately every six to ten weeks to check on your progress with Invisalign. Of course, you can always call us if you have any questions in the meantime!

Once you’ve completed the initial series of aligners, Dr. Carrie will determine if an additional series of aligners is necessary to perfect your smile. Once you finish, it’s time to celebrate that brand new smile! Dr. Carrie will let you know how to wear your retainers, so you can keep that beautiful smile in place.

Interested in Invisalign? Give us a call at 630-323-1201.

Is Invisalign right for me?

Invisalign is an attractive option for straightening your smile without the appearance or limitations of traditional braces. Today, most smiles and bites can be treated with Invisalign clear aligners, but Dr. Carrie will determine your eligibility for Invisalign and develop a custom treatment plan for you at a free consultation.

Why do we love Invisalign at CHT Ortho? There are three main reasons:

1. Easy to Wear

Invisalign works best if you’re able to wear the aligners 20-22 hours per day. However, you only need to take out the clear, smooth aligners to eat, brush, and floss! The aligners are clear and completely smooth, making them comfortable and virtually invisible.

2. Removable

Are you a popcorn lover? Can’t imagine life without caramel apples? Because Invisalign aligners are removable, no foods are off limits! You can also temporarily remove the aligners to play a woodwind instrument or replace the aligners with a traditional mouth guard to participate in team sports, both of which can be difficult activities with traditional braces.

3. Virtually Invisible

Sure, Invisalign aligners are removable, so you could take them out for big events or photos. But because Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, you just won’t need to. The treatment allows you to straighten your smile so inconspicuously, you might have to show your friends before-and-after pictures to convince them you’re an Invisalign patient!

Make an Invisalign consultation appointment today to find out if Invisalign is right for you. Call at 630-323-1201.

Invisalign for Teens

When we think of orthodontic treatment for teens, traditional metal braces almost always come to mind. However, Invisalign can be an excellent option for busy teens who might already feel self-conscious about their teeth.

Fits Your Busy Lives

Because you receive several Invisalign aligners at each appointment, there are fewer appointments required than for traditional braces. On top of that, there are no emergency appointments to handle broken brackets or wires!

Perfect for Active Lifestyles

Because Invisalign aligners are completely smooth and removable, they’re perfect for teens who play sports or certain instruments. Unlike traditional braces, aligners can be temporarily removed for band practice or replaced with a traditional mouthguard for that lacross game.

Flexible and Invisible

Let’s be honest, your teen might already be feeling self-conscious about their teeth! Invisalign allows them to straighten their smile without drawing attention to the treatment. Additionally, being able to remove the clear aligners means no off-limit foods. And who really wants to manage their teen’s movie popcorn consumption?

Price

You might think that Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces, but that’s typically not the case! Every patient and their custom treatment plan are different, but Invisalign is usually comparable in price to traditional braces and covered by most dental insurance plans.

Interested in Invisalign for your teen? Call us at 630-323-1201

Invisalign for Adults

Have you been anxious to straighten your smile for a while but don’t want to draw attention to your treatment with traditional metal braces? Invisalign might just be the perfect solution for you!

Fits Your Busy Life

With Invisalign, you’ll spend less time at the orthodontist and more time enjoying your straightening smile. Because you receive all aligners in advance, you only need to make checkup appointments typically every 6-10 weeks.

Inconspicuous

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and don’t require frequent cleaning and tightening appointments. This means Invisalign won’t interfere with your social life or work schedule! In fact, you might have to remind your friends and coworkers that you’re working on a straighter, healthier smile.